Pelican Parts Forums - Engine Test Run

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Engine builder brain trust. Bought a long block eight years ago, said to be rebuilt. 2.2L E with S pistons and cams. Had John Dougherty grind new Mod Solex Cams since the engine still has E heads...All good. Last year after new cam timing/rocker etc. did a leak-down and all cylinders could only come up to 70%. Good thing at least all the same.
I had mention this on an earlier post and most said leak-down number won't say much at this point.
Now, finally ran the engine on a test stand to brake-in cams and see what I have. I also have new PMO's, S distributor, MSD ignition. Ran great, no leaks, carbs adjusted, brake-in oil 20-50 Valvoline. Did leak-down after a half hour running (2000 rpm). Nice, four cylinders now at 4% and two between 12 and 14%. Not bad considering I was at 70% and still no Load being added. Now the big question, the drained oil looked like ****, looked like lots of metallic. Oil drain plug only had the average little amount of smudge. Why does the first oil look so funny. Thanks, Mark

As long as the metallic flakes are not chunks then you're fine, totally normal. I normally see what looks like tiny metallic splinters the first oil change, which I always do after breaking in the rings. I stick with non-synthetic until at least 500-600 miles, but that first oil change is always after first running with some load, say 50-100 miles. As for the cylinders with some 15% leak, where from? If from the valves, more running may or may not resolve.

Cold, never run, engine leak down? Only asking for a bad answer. Rings are not seated.

After running the oil has some wear, rings breaking in, hence some shiny stuff.

Isn’t break-in lube typically dark grey. That gets flushed out.

You may have a problem, but until the rings seat you will have more leak down.

Where is the leakage going? Out the exhaust? Out the intake? Into the crankcase? Or worst scenario: between the head and cylinder?

Need more data.

Thanks Ivporschepilot and VFR750, and the leak is from the rings on the two cylinders (engine breather). Best, Mark